You can also pick up a mirrorless camera like a Sony Nex 5N and use it as a digital back for your MF lenses as an alternative. I usually find that it's easier to MF on mirrorless cameras like the Nex 5N because of the MF aids like focus peaking and magnification.

Jorge
the point is to get the "shot" who cares if it's done with MF or AF.....!!!
Too many people are hang up with the equipment and forge what it is for....!
I have a few MF lenses but most of my best shots were shot with AF
Get the AF lenses, liberate your self........... and have some fun!
All my "beer and smoke" in my web page were shot with Nikkor 60mm and 50mm AF lenses
saludos
raul

I'm curious about failing eyesight due to age and how it affects photography.

If you are naturally nearsighted, you can wear contacts (or glasses) and you are fine. But becoming farsighted due to age usually requires those "reading glasses". Is the diopter adjustment in many viewfinders made for people who are nearsighted or farsighted? Or both?

I currently wear contacts and am corrected to 20/15. I have no problems manual focusing. But I am in my early 40's and suspect that I will need reading glasses soon and want to know how that will affect my ability to focus. Will the diopter adjustment work or should I start trading my MF for AF glass?

it's really difficult letting go of those zeiss lenses. I find it so difficult to pickup a lens housed in a plastic shell rather than metal. Just sold the 50 1.2 and am already crying about it The nikon 85 will be extra sad to see go because it is basically new. just look at these

That's too bad. Part of the joy of photography for me is using my MF glass, I really enjoy the process. Sure I have my share of misfocused shots, but I prefer the rendering of my MF glass to the AF glass I have at my disposal. If I really want to nail a static scene, I use a tripod and live-view. But there is no question that for moving people, a great Nikon AF-S lens is the way to go. The first and only time I used a 70-200/2.8 II, I was blown away by both the images and the >90% in-focus rate.